What is the primary nursing intervention to prevent pressure injuries in immobile patients?

• A. Administering antibiotics.
• B. Turning patients regularly.
• C. Encouraging vigorous exercise.
• D. Keeping the patient fasting.

Answer: (B)

Relieving sustained pressure on tissues is the key to preventing pressure injuries in someone who cannot move. When a person remains immobile, the constant pressure over bony areas—like the sacrum, heels, and hips—compresses capillaries, reduces blood flow, and leads to tissue ischemia and breakdown. Repositioning the patient regularly, typically every two hours, redistributes pressure, restores circulation, and helps maintain skin integrity. Using proper turning technique and pressure-relieving surfaces supports this effect and is the most effective preventive action.

Antibiotics don’t prevent injuries; they treat infection if a wound develops. Encouraging vigorous exercise isn’t feasible for immobile patients and won’t prevent pressure damage. Keeping the patient fasting has no impact on pressure injury prevention and can worsen overall nutrition, another risk factor for skin breakdown.